This matter is not to be rushed. Forming a complete industrial chain will require overcoming many difficulties.
Whether to raise broiler chickens or laying hens also needs planning, as well as future environmental protection issues, as the stocking density cannot be too high.
Some villages raise chickens in every household, and the smell alone is intoxicating to think about.
Xie Sui made this suggestion and then said no more. This requires market research before discussing it; he cannot make any promises.
Professional matters should be handled by professionals. I believe Secretary Chen would be very happy to support the villagers in raising chickens; this would also be an achievement.
They were invited to stay for dinner that evening, and after a few drinks, their old bonds were rekindled.
Du Feiyang, with his broken Mandarin, bragged to them, painting Hong Kong as a paradise on earth, leaving these young men stunned.
“Let me tell you, beautiful girls line up, wearing swimsuits, waiting for you to vote, to elect the most beautiful, the most elegant one, that’s Miss Hong Kong.
It’s truly a sea of beauties, with endless long, slender legs that will make your head spin.”
Lu Tianxing dared not imagine such a scene. He only dared to peek at the beauties on the calendar, how could he possibly dare to see them in person?
“Don’t listen to him brag. How can ordinary people get in to watch? It’s for professional judges and rich young masters. It’s only people like him, wasteful prodigals.
Hong Kong is indeed good, but only if you have money. It’s also truly dark. You have to be careful walking around to avoid getting hurt in a group fight, and consider yourself unlucky.”
“Don’t the police manage that?”
“Can they manage it all? Those gangsters fight every day. They fight amongst themselves, and at least they don’t harm ordinary citizens. Over there, the lives of the poor are worthless; only the lives of the rich are worth something.
It’s a paradise for the rich and a hell for the poor. Don’t think you can pick up money when you get there. If there were such good things, everyone would be picking up money, and who would still farm so hard?”
“Brother Xie is right. If money were that easy to earn, everyone would go to Hong Kong.”
The crowd calmed down. Who would be willing to leave their homeland unless absolutely necessary?
“However, it’s still worthwhile to go and witness the prosperity of a developed country and broaden your horizons. When we earn money, brothers will take you to have some fun.”
“Can we go see the Miss Hong Kong pageant? I want to see a sea of beauties too.”
“Get lost! You’ve been corrupted by him, not thinking about earning money but only about seeing beautiful women. Even if you see them, it’s for nothing. Your status isn’t enough for those beauties to even glance at you. Frankly, they belong to the rich magnates’ harems.”
Lin Wanwan called out, “Xie Sui, Miss Guan is on the phone, wishing you a happy new year.”
“Coming.”
As soon as Xie Sui left, Du Feiyang said slyly, “Isn’t this Miss Guan a former Miss Hong Kong? Absolutely stunning, and she’s different towards Brother Xie. It’s a shame, Sister-in-law is too strict. Miss Guan, such a great beauty, is like a falling flower with no responsive stream.”
“Really?”
“Why would I lie to you? My eyes are perfect at spotting romantic entanglements. If Miss Guan had no interest in Brother Xie, I’d pluck my eyes out and stomp on them.”
Lin Wanwan brought over the dishes they were eating, standing right behind Du Feiyang. Her expression immediately turned grim. Lu Tianxing kept giving him meaningful glances, but Du Feiyang didn’t notice.
“What are you saying? What matters between men and women, I want to hear too.”
Lin Wanwan placed the dishes down with a smile, her eyes full of killing intent. This Du Feiyang, he’s bad himself, and he’s making Xie Sui learn from him.
“Oh my, Sister-in-law, I didn’t say anything. This dish is really delicious! Your cooking is amazing, truly amazing.”
“Hmph, don’t corrupt your Brother Xie, or I’ll beat you too. It’s time you got married and had someone to control your foul mouth.”
“Yes, Sister-in-law, you’ve worked hard. Please find someone for me. I’ll accept anyone you introduce.”
“Alright then, I’ll introduce you to Sha Sanggu from the village.”
“Sister-in-law, I was wrong.”
Du Feiyang immediately admitted his mistake and begged for mercy. Only then did Lin Wanwan let him off. “Don’t slander young ladies’ reputations. Miss Guan is a very good person, and we are friends. If you talk like this, how will I interact with her in the future?”
“Sister-in-law, I’m truly sorry. My mouth just always gets me into trouble.”
Lin Wanwan took out the needle and awl Xie’s mother used for sewing soles and placed it on the table. “Next time you can’t control your mouth, I’ll sew it shut with this.”
Du Feiyang was completely terrified and pleaded pitifully. Everyone else laughed, impressed by Sister Lin’s might.
The first day of the lunar new year passed like this. Xie Sui kept everyone to stay overnight at his house. Since they were all young men, they could squeeze onto one kang. He couldn’t afford any responsibility if something happened on the way back to the village so late.
They all woke up very late the next day, feeling a bit embarrassed about having to spend the night at Brother Xie’s house.
Xie’s mother had prepared millet porridge. Eating something light with some pickles and white steamed buns made them feel comfortable all over.
Xie Sui was already playing with firecrackers in the courtyard with the children. After they finished eating, they proposed to leave. Xie Sui escorted them out.
However, just as they were leaving, someone suddenly grabbed his thigh, almost making him fall. “What’s going on? Who are you? Let go!”
Xie Sui frowned. If anyone saw this, he wouldn’t be able to explain himself. A dark, thin girl was clinging to his leg, kneeling on the ground, with pleading in her eyes. “Uncle Xie, I want to study, but my parents won’t let me. Please help me.”
“You should go talk to the village chief about this. I don’t handle such matters. It’s the New Year, kneeling and kowtowing. Here, take this red envelope and buy some candy to eat.”
“I don’t want a red envelope, I want to study. I’m always in the top three in every exam, and the teacher has visited my home several times. But my parents insist I work and let me get married in a couple of years, refusing to let me study. Uncle Xie, I’ll repay you by working like an ox or a horse. Please help me!”
“Whose child is this?”
“It’s Zhao Sanyuan’s eldest daughter. This child is also pitiful. They already have four girls, and Zhao Sanyuan still wants to have a son and won’t give up until he does.”
Xie’s mother came out and pulled Zhao Laidi up. “Speak properly if you have something to say. Don’t pester your uncle; we have guests.”
Zhao Laidi held back her tears and said, “Yes, I’m sorry, Grandma Xie. I really have no other options.”
Du Feiyang looked a bit sympathetic. “How old are you? It’s just about studying. Call me Uncle Du, and I’ll help you.”
“Feiyang, don’t make idle promises. This matter isn’t as simple as you think.”
Xie Sui stopped him. Du Feiyang immediately shut up, but Zhao Laidi had already latched onto him. “Uncle Du, you’re a good person. I know you’re a young master from Hong Kong. I’m not asking for much. If you can let me finish high school, I can earn my own tuition fees when I get into university. Can this be considered a loan?”
Du Feiyang tilted his head back and looked at the sky, ignoring her. Zhao Laidi’s gaze towards Xie Sui became resentful. He wouldn’t help her, and he wouldn’t let others help either. Are the hearts of the rich all black?
Why can’t they help her? The cost of one of their meals is enough.